Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars
These Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars deliver all the flavor of classic sugar cookies without the rolling or cutting. Thick, soft, and festively topped with pink glaze and sprinkles, they bake beautifully in a simple 8x8 pan—perfect for easy sharing.
Equipment
- 8x8 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp Valentine sprinkles (to mix into dough)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 Tbsp milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pink or red gel food coloring (optional)
- 0.25 cup Valentine sprinkles + candy hearts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
- Cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until just combined.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Fold in 2 tablespoons of Valentine sprinkles.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared 8x8 pan. Chill for 10–15 minutes if time allows.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and thick; tint with gel food coloring if desired.
- Lift the cooled bar slab from the pan. Spread the glaze evenly over the top and immediately add sprinkles and candy hearts. Slice into 16 bars.
Notes
The 8x8 pan is essential for thick, chewy bars. A larger pan will produce thinner, crispier bars.